The Secret of Shadow Ranch is an all-around solid installment in the series, as long as you overlook the continuity error with the sweater: the gimmick of the ghost horse is fun and well utilized; the cast of villains and red herrings are easy to keep up with; and Keene manages to give all of the characters their own charm. This book makes me really wish it was public which authors ghostwrote what, because I'd love to focus on reading the Nancy Drew Mysteries by this particular iteration of Carolyn Keene.

Most importantly, this is the first book featuring Bess and George. They are exactly as fun as I remembered.